San Marcos Gentle Dental Blog

The Most Advanced Dental Technology for Our Patients

May 23, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — dr_donnelly @ 8:02 pm

465217799At San Marcos Gentle Dental, we believe that our patients deserve only the very best when it comes to dental technology. That’s why we have equipped our state-of-the-art dental office with the latest in technological advancements in the dental industry, giving our patients the clear advantage in oral healthcare. Dr. J. Robert Donnelly and Dr. Gregory Wang invite you to enjoy the innumerable benefits afforded by our top-of-the-line dental technology.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography allows our team to capture clearer, more accurate images than traditional x-rays. In addition, digital x-rays expose patients to up to 80 percent less radiation, and they’re better for the environment. The digital images of your teeth and jaw can be easily stored and shared as needed.

No-Drill Dentistry

For most patients, the thought of the dental drill is one that elicits instant feelings of fear and anxiety. Fortunately, our office uses the Whisper Jet decay removal system, a type of technology that allows us to treat cavities without any needles or drills. In many cases, no anesthesia is required.

3D Digital Imaging

Also known as Cone Beam CT imaging, 3D digital x-rays are particularly useful in the planning of dental implant placement and orthodontic treatment. Because of its unique composition, this precision equipment uses approximately 10 times less radiation as compared to conventional medical CT scanning devices.

DIAGNOdent Dental Caries Detection

DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection allows us to find and treat tooth decay before it becomes visible to the naked eye. The pen-like laser checks the health of the tooth for any signs of cavities, even those that are located between teeth.

Schedule Your Next Visit Today

Other vital technologies that we employ at San Marcos Gentle Dental include CAD/CAM imaging, The Wand anesthesia delivery, Cavitron ultrasonic scaling, chairside monitors and satellite radio, intra-oral cameras, and more. Allow us to show you what a difference our technology can make in your next dental experience. Contact us today to speak with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable staff and to schedule your next visit with our team. Our San Marcos, TX dental office proudly serves patients from nearby communities in Austin, New Braunfels, Kyle, Wimberley, Buda, and beyond.

What You Need to Know About Gum Disease & Overall Health

April 23, 2015

Filed under: General Dentistry,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_donnelly @ 8:51 pm

454389001According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from periodontitis. That’s 64.7 million cases, many of which are left untreated until the problem becomes severe. The American Academy of Periodontology considers this a “significant public health problem,” and for good reason. While bleeding gums and sensitivity are the most common symptoms of gum disease, there are even more serious implications associated with the condition. Today, we’d like to take a moment to inform our patients of the lesser-known effects of periodontal disease.

The Oral Systemic Link Explained

When your gums become infected, the harmful bacteria that reside within your mouth pose a very real threat to organs and tissues throughout the rest of your body. In fact, numerous studies have proven the existence of a link between untreated periodontal disease and severe medical conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer of the pancreas and/or blood
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Complications in the treatment of diabetes
  • Pre-term birth and low birth weight in babies whose mothers have gum disease

Fortunately, regular periodontal therapy can dramatically reduce your risk of developing these and other health complications. Our team will work with you to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs, giving you the clear advantage when it comes to the fight against gum disease.

Healthier Gums, Longer Life

If you are suffering from the effects of periodontal disease, don’t wait another day to take the first step toward a healthier smile and improved well-being overall. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Donnelly and our caring, experienced team of oral health professionals in San Marcos, TX. Very often, periodontal disease can be managed effectively with more frequent deep cleanings and exams. Our family-friendly dental practice warmly welcomes patients from San Marcos, Austin, New Braunfels, Buda, Kyle, Wimberley, and beyond.

Rest Soundly with Non Invasive Snoring and Sleep Apnea Therapy in San Marcos, TX

March 23, 2015

Filed under: Sleep Apnea — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — tntadmin @ 7:01 pm

460211887Do you struggle to breathe while sleeping? If you awake at night feeling short of breath or unable to breathe, you may already have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a persistent, debilitating, and possibly life-shortening sleep disorder that’s estimated to affect over 22 million Americans. Most patients with sleep apnea don’t even realize they have a problem. But if left untreated, the disorder can lead to depression, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic daytime fatigue. If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, schedule the sleep apnea therapy appointment you need with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly is a trusted San Marcos family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is actually an involuntary stoppage of breath while sleeping. There are three categories of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and a combination of the two. Of these three types, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. Despite the difference in causes of each type, with all three, breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night, often for a minute or longer. Since these pauses rarely trigger a full awakening, most patients fail to realize what’s happening.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Although all patients with sleep apnea also have a snoring problem, most people who snore don’t have obstructive sleep apnea. You may have sleep apnea if:

  • You suffer from loud and persistent snoring
  • You experience pauses in breathing, accompanied by gasping episodes while trying to sleep
  • You are excessively sleepy during normal waking hours

Dr. Donnelly Offers Snore Guard Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Snore guards look similar to the athletic mouth guards worn by ball players. Dr. Donnelly can prescribe custom fabricated snore guards to eradicate your sleep apnea and snoring symptoms. The appliance can be worn in the mouth during sleep, and works by re-positioning the lower jaw slightly forward of its natural rest position. This small change is typically enough to keep your airway open as you sleep, thus eliminating snoring problems and associated sleep apnea symptoms.

San Marcos Sleep Apnea Therapy Appointments

If you’re looking for a reliable sleep disorder solution, schedule a sleep apnea therapy appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly is a leading San Marcos family dentist, now proudly serving patients daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and neighboring areas.

Spring into a Brand New Smile with New Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Donnelly in San Marcos, TX

February 23, 2015

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_donnelly @ 9:13 pm

178521943Are you ready to renovate your smile? If you’re tired of hiding your dental dilemmas, it’s time to consider the porcelain veneers solution from Dr. Donnelly. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-fabricated shells of tooth-colored porcelain designed to cover cosmetic dental imperfections. The wafer thin shells are bonded to the front of the teeth. Porcelain veneers can easily correct:

  • Tooth discoloration
  • Worn down teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
  • Gapped teeth

New porcelain veneers can transform your smile this spring. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental for your porcelain veneers consultation today. Dr. Donnelly is a highly qualified San Marcos cosmetic dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental proudly restores smiles daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

Get New Porcelain Veneers in 3 Easy Steps

  • Planning: First, Dr. Donnelly will discuss your smile goals and determine the look you’re trying to achieve. Dr. Donnelly will examine your teeth to make sure that porcelain veneers are appropriate for your cosmetic corrections, and may also take x-rays and impressions of your mouth and teeth.
  • Preparation: Next, Dr. Donnelly will prepare your teeth for porcelain veneer placement by gently removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface. This will be about equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. Dr. Donnelly will then take an impression of your tooth, which is sent out to a dental lab for the custom fabrication of your veneers. Temporary veneers may be placed in the meantime.
  • Bonding: After your new porcelain veneers arrive, Dr. Donnelly will temporarily place them on your tooth to examine the fit and color, trimming the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit. Dr. Donnelly will then clean, polish, and etch your tooth to create a strong bond. Next, special cement will be applied along with  a curing light to harden the veneer in place. Finally, Dr. Donnelly will remove any excess cement and evaluate your bite, making any final adjustments if necessary.

San Marcos Porcelain Veneers Appointments

You can smile confidently again this spring with new porcelain veneers. Make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental for the porcelain veneers you need today. Dr. Donnelly is a trusted San Marcos cosmetic dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental delivers quality care daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and nearby cities.

Eliminate Dental Pain and Sensitivity with Gentle Root Canal Therapy in San Marcos, TX

January 23, 2015

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — dr_donnelly @ 10:02 pm

459080861Do you suffer from periodic toothaches and tooth sensitivity? If so, you may need root canal therapy from Dr. Donnelly to save the tooth from extraction. Root canal therapy removes the inflamed and infected pulp inside your tooth. Your tooth is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, your tooth can be completely restored to normal form and functioning with a dental crown or filling. To eliminate discomfort and avoid tooth loss, make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental for the root canal therapy you need today. Dr. Donnelly is a trusted San Marcos restorative dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental proudly serves families throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and nearby cities.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. Dental pulp contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that grow the root of your tooth during its development. However, once your teeth are fully developed, they can survive without the dental pulp. Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes including: decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or cracks and chips. In addition, dental trauma can cause pulp damage even if your tooth has no visible distress. If dental pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can lead to severe pain and sensitivity or dental abscess.

How Is Root Canal Therapy Performed?

  • First, Dr. Donnelly will x-ray your tooth and administer a local anesthetic. After your tooth is numb, a small protective dental dam is placed over the area to isolate the tooth during the procedure.
  • Next, Dr. Donnelly will open the crown of your tooth and clean out and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals so that they can then be shaped and filled.
  • After the space is cleaned and shaped, Dr. Donnelly will fill the root canals with biocompatible material and adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing. Next, a temporary filling is placed until your restoration is ready.

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy can help you maintain your natural smile, continue to eat the foods you love, and reduce the need for future costly dental treatments. With proper oral care and maintenance, most teeth treated with root canal therapy last just as long as other natural teeth.

San Marcos Root Canal Therapy Appointments

Millions of patients save their natural teeth each year with root canal therapy treatment. Make your root canal therapy appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly is a highly qualified family restorative dentist. San Marcos Gentle Dental proudly serves patients of all ages throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

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